Microbiome of mammalian animals, implications for conservation

The gut microbiome of 56 animal species from captive and natural habitats was analysed using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Results showed that factors driving gut microbiota composition were evolutionary history of the host, gut morphology and dietary preferences, respectively. Specific clusters of microbes could be associated to animals based these factors. Microbiota of captive and wild animals of the same species was compared. Implications of gut microbiota analyses in relation to conservation efforts are discussed.